Author: Violet Brando
Violet Brando is a writer and Bible teacher based in Nashville, Tennessee. She holds a degree in Theology from Belmont University and spent two years serving with a Christian nonprofit in Guatemala before returning to the US to pursue full-time ministry writing. When she's not studying Scripture or crafting devotionals, you'll find her hiking with her golden retriever, leading worship at her local church, or hunting for vintage books. Violet is passionate about making biblical truth accessible, practical, and relevant for everyday Christ-followers. She writes for Higher Praise on topics including faith and doubt, Christian living, and Scripture study.
When Pope Leo XIV visited Algeria in April 2026, he walked through the ruins of ancient Hippo — now called Annaba — where Saint Augustine once served as bishop. The pope called Algeria “the land of my spiritual father” and celebrated Mass in the Basilica of Saint Augustine, built on the hillside where the great theologian died in 430 AD. For most Western Christians, this connection comes as a surprise. We think of Augustine as European, his works studied in seminaries from Oxford to Rome. We forget that he never set foot in Western Europe except for a brief period…
“We should perhaps be a little less fearful of Islam.” These words from Pope Leo XIV, spoken during his April 2026 visit to Algeria, sparked immediate debate across the Christian world. For many Western believers, the statement sounded reasonable — even enlightened. For Christians living under Islamic rule, it may have sounded naïve — or worse, dismissive of their daily reality. So what does the Bible say? Should Christians fear Islam? At Higher Praise, we believe this question deserves a careful, Scripture-based answer that neither capitulates to political correctness nor descends into fear-mongering. The Statistics Are Sobering Before addressing theology,…
On February 28, 2026, the United States and Israel launched nearly 900 airstrikes against Iran in twelve hours. The attacks killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, destroyed military infrastructure, and ignited the most significant Middle Eastern conflict in decades. Iran responded with retaliatory strikes across the region, closed the Strait of Hormuz, and triggered what has become the 2026 Lebanon War. Forty-seven days later, the world remains on edge. A fragile ceasefire holds. Negotiations continue in Pakistan. Millions have been displaced. Thousands are dead — including 170 civilians killed when a missile struck a girls’ school in Minab. And Christians are…
Whether you’re looking for the perfect Scripture to write in a Mother’s Day card, searching for encouragement as a tired mum, or wanting to honour a mother who shaped your faith — the Bible speaks directly to mothers and about mothers with remarkable tenderness. God doesn’t overlook the sleepless nights, the quiet sacrifices, or the prayers whispered over sleeping children. Scripture celebrates motherhood, commands children to honour their mothers, and offers comfort to every woman navigating this sacred calling. Here are the most powerful Bible verses for mothers — organised by theme so you can find exactly what you need.…
This Is the Day Scripture: Psalm 118:24 — “This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Devotional: Sunday arrives like a gift. After six days of work, worry, and weariness, God gives us this: a day set apart. A day to pause. A day to gather with His people and remember what matters most. The psalmist’s words weren’t written for a perfect day. Psalm 118 was composed in the context of struggle and deliverance. The writer had faced enemies, experienced near-defeat, and cried out for help. Yet in the midst of…
Cain married his sister. Adam and Eve had many children, and in early humanity, such marriages were necessary and not yet prohibited. Higher Praise explains.
The Bible mentions tattoos only once in Leviticus 19:28. Christians disagree on whether this applies today. Higher Praise examines the biblical principles to help you decide.
The Bible permits alcohol in moderation but strongly condemns drunkenness. Higher Praise examines Scripture’s balanced teaching on this topic.
God hates divorce but permits it in cases of adultery or abandonment. Higher Praise examines what Scripture teaches about divorce, remarriage, and grace for the broken.
Understanding Easter Monday Easter Monday is the day immediately following Easter Sunday. While it may seem like an afterthought compared to the main celebration, this day holds significance for many Christians around the world. In fact, it’s a public holiday in over 100 countries. In 2026, Easter Monday falls on April 6th. For some believers, Easter Monday extends the joy of resurrection celebrations. For others, it offers time for rest, family gatherings, and continued reflection on Christ’s victory over death. Although traditions vary widely, the day provides an opportunity to linger in Easter’s good news rather than rushing back to…